Visit Port Arthur for abundant culture, birding and beaching, as well as fantastic Port Arthur hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Lake Sabine and the Gulf of Mexico coast connect this amazing city. Their beaches are surrounded by nothing but nature, for miles and miles. Port Arthur has fishing holes for fresh and salt water anglers and Mardi Gras is always a catch away. Taste their Cajun flavor, lose yourself in the dramatic Port Arthur history, and absorb all the natural beauty that the city of Port Arthur has to share. Port Arthur Texas Travel offers wetlands and Gulf beaches, salt and fresh water fishing and a comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim State Park, a completely natural beach. Experience their strong Cajun and other cultural influences through cuisine and music.

Port Arthur offers wetlands and Gulf beaches, salt and fresh water fishing and a comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim State Park, a completely natural beach. Experience our strong Cajun and other cultural influences through cuisine and music. Catch the excitement at Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival and the Buu Mon Lotus and Bamboo Festival. Museum of the Gulf Coast’s Jurassic to Joplin experience includes a replica of Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche and tributes to The Big Bopper, Jimmy Johnson, Robert Rauschenberg. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and Queen of Peace Shrine & Gardens highlight the faith trail. Read Port Arthur Texas Travel, for everything you need to plan your trip! You can also visit our Best Beaches in Texas page for an in-depth look at all the great Texas Beaches.

Weather (When to Go)

Average temperatures in Port Arthur vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a very low chance of precipitation throughout the year. The busiest month for tourism in Port Arthur, TX, US is March, followed by June and April. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Rockport in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

In March – May, humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 89.4°F and 71.3°F with warmer temperatures in the later months. Spring is the busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. The middle-year months, June – August, have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see moderate precipitation with 2 to 4 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Port Arthur, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more. In September – November, daily highs range from 92°F and 71°F, which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 3 to 6 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced. During the winter months of December – February, weather is somewhat cool this time of year in Rockport to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 72.2°F and 64.1°F. On average, it rains a small amount: 1 to 3 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Things to Do

Sea Rim State Park

At the far southeast corner of Texas lies a remote and unique coastal park. Sea Rim State Park has 5.2 miles of Gulf shoreline and 4,000 acres of marshlands. At this park, you can camp, go birding and beach combing, paddle in a canoe or kayak, swim, fish, hunt (in season) and walk. Stroll along the Gambusia Nature Trail, a boardwalk through the marsh. Stay at one of 15 campsites with utilities or in a cabin. They also offer primitive camping on the beach. Fish in the surf or in the marsh areas. You do not need a license to fish from shore in a state park. Paddle one of their trails, from the 1.79-mile easy trail to the 9.59-mile advanced trail. Experience the coast from a kayak or canoe. Bring your own or rent one at the park. For more information call 409-971-2559 or visit Sea Rim State Park.

Sabine Pass Battleground

Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site, a Texas Historical Commission property, is located where the Sabine River enters the Gulf of Mexico. The 58-acre site highlights the story of Confederate Lt. Richard “Dick” Dowling and his 46 men thwarting an attempted Union attack on Sabine Pass, a primary Texas port for Confederate shipments of supplies and vital to the war effort. In a battle lasting less than an hour, Dowling and his men destroyed two gunboats, resulting in significant casualties and the capture of nearly 350 prisoners. Thanks to their efforts, area ports escaped capture and Union forces never penetrated the Texas interior. For more information call 512-463-7948 or visit Sabine Pass Battleground.

Pleasure Island

Port Arthur’s Pleasure Island, an 18.5 mile long man-made body of land, extends from the mouth of the Neches River on the northwest to the Sabine Causeway on the southeast and is surrounded by Sabine Lake and the Sabine Neches Intracoastal Waterway. Pleasure Island is a place of beauty. Its hills, bluffs, and vistas of Sabine Lake are a delight and pleasure to those who visit. There are lots of outdoor activities on Pleasure Island and the surrounding waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and Sabine Lake. They include sailing, boating, fishing, crabbing, hiking, biking, birding, disc golfing, tent camping, and picnicking. Several parks are located on Pleasure Island. Lakefront Park attracts locals for picnics, volleyball, basketball, and sunning. Fun Island Depot provides fun for children of all ages. Walter Umphrey State Park offers a lighted fishing pier along with RV and tent camping. There’s something on Pleasure Island for everyone! For information call 409-982-4675 or visit Pleasure Island.

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Only in Port Arthur would you find a replica of Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche featured just a few feet away from a 13-foot taxidermied alligator. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, a 39,000 square-foot museum that features exhibits covering everything from Port Arthur’s history to its influences on pop culture. With open hours every day of the week, it’s a sure-fire way to spend an afternoon and learn a thing or two in the process. For more information call 409-982-7000 or visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Restaurants

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$$ El Viejo Tony Mexican Bar & Grill

El Viejo Tony is a Mexican grill serving delicious Mexican food, including the best fajitas and margarita drink specials in Port Arthur, TX. They’re open seven days a week, and provide a great atmosphere for the whole family! Their family recipes and excellent service will give you a dining experience you won’t find at any other Mexican restaurant. Stop by for lunch or dinner and you’ll find treats and drinks that everyone in the family can enjoy. For more information call 409-853-1301 or visit El Viejo Tony Mexican Bar & Grill.

$$ Miss B’s Take Out

Miss B’s is a fresh, alternative to fast food. Making homemade daily plate lunches, just the way you like it. Making the freshest sandwiches with deli meat sliced daily on site, as well as slow cooked beef & pork. They have the best Chef Salads around, with your choice of chicken breast, ham, roast beef, turkey or a combination of meats. For more information call 409-300-4044 or visit Miss B’s Take Out.

$$ Big Boi’s Crawfish Hole

Big Boi’s Crawfish Hole specializes in delectable Cajun & Soul Food dishes. They bring authentic Cajun flavor to Port Arthur, TX, as all of their dishes are made from family recipes handed down from generation to generation. They believe that flavor is king, and that’s why all of their dishes are made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. They can guarantee that you’ll never leave us feeling hungry, and they look forward to giving you a taste of Louisiana real soon. For more information call 409-853-1098 or visit them on Facebook.

$$ Tony’s Barbecue & Steak House

Texas style, Texas tasty! Try some of their tasty, slow-cooked BBQ and steaks – they´re got the flavor to savor! Their entire menu is based on fresh, quality ingredients. They slow-cook their pork ribs and brisket over South Texas hickory for 12 hours – and they serve only high-quality, never frozen Ribeye and T-bone steaks, too. See why their family owned business stands out from the rest of the BBQ crowd! For more information call 409-984-5444 or visit Tony’s Barbecue & Steak House.

$$ Sartin’s Seafood

The Bar B Q crabs are what they are famous for! They also offer an array of non seafood items such as Grilled Chicken, Steaks and Chicken Fried Steaks. Gumbo is also available from just a cup to gallons. For more information call 409-721-9420 or visit Sartin’s Seafood.

Nightlife

The Budain Hut

Some just call them “The Hut”…your local “Cheers” with great food and live bands 5 nights weekly. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a laid back, kick your feet up atmosphere. Stop on by…you’ll be glad you did! For more information call 409-962-5079 or visit The Budain Hut.

Luke’s Ice House

Huge place with a huge outside patio. Lots of options of bar games. The jalapeño burger is straight awesome! The patio when the weather is good has plenty of TV’s and music. They will never let your drinks get low! For more information call 409-729-2665 or visit Luke’s Ice House.

Neches River Wheelhouse

The Wheelhouse is not only known for its great atmosphere. Their top priority is their food and service. They have put together a team of cooks and chefs to create a menu that ranges from seafood to hamburgers, poboys, and the best hand-cut steaks in the area. The Wheelhouse has a family friendly atmosphere. Kids’ meals are served on Frisbees. After finishing a meal, there is plenty of room for kids to play Frisbee and run off some energy while the parents relax & enjoy the Wheelhouse atmosphere & hospitality. Whether you come to spend the day with them or come for a romantic moon rise dinner, the Neches River Wheelhouse is the place to enjoy a great meal in a relaxing atmosphere. For more information call 409-853-1249 or visit Neches River Wheelhouse.

King’s Cuestick

Kings Cuestick which started life as a community pool room has morphed several times into what it is now, which is a local, hangout and dive bar extreme. It is a great venue if what you want is great drinks, loud and hip music, and a great crowd. Bar service is super and Mac, the owner is a “one of a kind original”. There is pool here as it was in the past and a pool and a pool tournament weekly. IF you are looking for a good time, you should not pass this place up! For more information call 409-722-8899 or visit them on Facebook.

Top Port Arthur Texas Hotels

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Beaumont Port Arthur

Free WiFi and an outdoor pool are featured at this Port Arthur hotel. The Medical Center of Southeast Texas is 1 miles away. A mini-market and 24-hour reception are among the conveniences offered at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Beaumont Port Arthur. There is also a fitness center, where guests can exercise. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit TownePlace Suites by Marriott Beaumont Port Arthur.

Holiday Inn Port Arthur Park Central

This hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from Jack Brooks Regional Airport. Free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool are included. A fitness center is accessible for guests to exercise during their stay. The business centre at Port Arthur Holiday Inn provides computers, fax, and photocopy services. Metro Grill, the on-site restaurant, serves American cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Manhattan Lounge offers light meals and drinks every evening. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Holiday Inn Port Arthur Park Central.

28 Comments

I enjoyed reading this post. Great places in Texas. I lived along the Gulf Coast when I attended college. Thanks for are the valuable information about weather, restaurants, and recreation. I think I would pick going to Sea Rim State Park as well as Pleasure Island. Texas, here we come!–someday.

I lived in Texas for 10 years and absolutely loved it. I miss it actually, and might end up back there some day. Sea Rim State Park and Pleasure Island are both wonderful! You will have a wonderful time! Thanks for stopping by Robert and reading Port Arthur Texas Travel!

Hey.
Great article! Very detailed and helpful. When is the best time to visit Port Arthur? I was also wondering if there are any local car rental companies to get in touch with, besides the ‘standard’ ones at the airport?
How about ATV, scooter and bike rentals? I would love to see a map or something, to guide me whiel hiking or cycling around.

Depends on what you plan on doing 🙂 Weather is great year round, not really going below 60 degrees. However, the water is going to be a bit chilly during the winter months. So if you want to swim in the ocean too, I’d stick to May thru September. You know, I totally forgot to add the car rental companies. Please visit my post again shortly ( I will correct today) for car rental companies. You know, I do not know of any RV, Scooter or bike rentals in Port Arthur. I am going to do some digging and calling and I will let you know what I find 🙂 Thanks for visiting!

I used to live in Texas and unfortunately never saw this beach. It’s gorgeous, if ever I make it down there again, I’m certainly checking this place out. Great water, excellent sites to visit and a history to love. Thank you for this travel review, keep up the good work.

Hey Mattysmom, great job on the site. its clean and precise. it is very easy to navigate for the reader and it give me a sense of peace. it is also very informative and interesting. i am looking forward to reading your next post. I have never been to Texas but this makes me want to visit. keep up the good work.

Hi,
seems like Port Arthur is a fine place with lots of room to relax and enjoy nature. When I was to Washington State, I had to buy a license to go fishing, so it is surprising to me that you donÂ´t need one in the park.
When I think of Texas, I most often imagine a lot of desert, but I have never been there…. thank you for the informative article about Port Arthur.

Those are great survival tips to save up a chunk of money! I love to travel mainly because I love to experience a different culture from different parts of the world but most importantly, I love photography! Kind of going hand-in-hand with travelling. To be frank, I didn’t know Texas has such beautiful stretch of beach (I seriously have a different picture in my mind!). Your introduction of beaches in Texas altered my “places to visit” list! Thank you for sharing!

Texas is such a diverse state and Port Arthur is often overlooked. But the rich gulf coast fauna and flora, excellent Cajun eating, superb fishing and birdwatching make Port Arthur and coastal southeast Texas a great place to visit, especially in the winter months when the temperatures are very nice. As a special aside, Texas is known for it alligators and the biggest Texas gators are located in the Port Arthur area!

You gave me a homework! To visit those places! I love it and I have never been in Port of St.Arthur. I am from Serbia (the country in Eastern Europe)I used to be a crew member for the CCL and visited many beautiful places.. I hope I will have a chance to get to this city.
I only had a chance to sea Galveston as I was disembarking at the end of one of my contracts.
So Texas – my next destination!

Galveston is close, but no comparison. Port Arthur has a lot more charm and southern feel to it. It has a lot to see and then of course you have the Sea Rim Park for beaches 🙂 Port Arthur Texas can’t be beat!

You wrote a very informative post on why we should visit Texas! Especially the sun shining city of Port Arthur, TX. I have got to go see it soon. I have always wondered what it would be like living on the gulf of Texas. I hear the weather is mostly warm, sunny and gorgeous there. Not to mention the abundant fishing 🙂

I’d have the say the weather is darn near perfect, in my opinion. I have lived in cold and will never go back to it. And yes, you can fish to your hearts content on the gulf. Thanks for reading about Port Arthur Texas!

Port Arthur! That’s interesting! Vacation beaches, and relax! My first thought for a holiday in the past will be Mexico, Dominican or Hawaii. What I find on your site is a mix of relaxing adventure and discovery. That is what I am looking for, and I am sure most of the people is looking for this type of holiday. I put Port Arthur on my list. One more thing. I am never Ben in Texas before. What is your recommendation for bucking my trip?

I find the lowest airfares on CheapO Air. It also depends on where you live. Frontier, American, and Spirit appear to have the best rate into Texas. However, I am not a fan of Spirit (will not fly them) or Frontier. American and Southwest are both great! Of course this is under the assumption you are in the U.S. 🙂 Thanks for reading all about Port Arthur!

Sounds like a fun place to be with such a diversity of possibilities. Something for everyone. During reading several questions came to mind, but after I finished the article all those had been answered, as you covered it all.
I am living in Thailand and here we also are not short of beaches. Maybe you can do an article on them and when I can be of help, just ask.

Hi there Mattysmom, I love the beach, any beach for that matter, I wish I could go right now, your site makes me want to start packing.
You have pretty much all the information one would need to make the trip to beaches and tons of fun.
I know I for one would not think of making parking arrangements and if the destination is a busy as most beaches that I have been to, you are so right to suggest this aspect. I also like that there are so many flight options.
The next time I have a chance to go I will consider these options.
Good Luck to you in all that you strive for,
Wanda!

Thank you so much Wanda for visiting and your thoughtful comments 🙂 I too love the beach, almost any beach. So providing this information to other like me, is quite enjoyable. I am glad you enjoyed reading and thanks for stopping in to Port Arthur, Texas!

Hi there, this place sounds absolutely stunning. The climate, the surroundings the scenery all sound so idylic and perfect for a romantic getaway.
You mention the hottest day and the coolest day. Are they really that specific that they are the same day every year, 10th August and the 11th January, or is this just a guide? Thanks

You wrote a truly outstanding article promoting all that is available in the city of Port Arthur, TX. The city so close to the Louisiana border has that Cajun flavor as you stated and has so many, many other diverse activities sure to please everyone.

As I love history I know that if ever in the city I would pay a visit to the Sabine Battle Underpass where that Civil War engagement between the Union and Confederate soldiers took place.

The city also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife/club options available in addition to the Cajun food I mentioned above coming from Louisiana culture.
In visiting Texas previously a few times I went to Dallas and also El Paso as I knew friends 20 years ago who lived in that city.

To be honest I had never heard of Port Arthur before reading this excellent article. It just goes to show the incredibly diverse amount of cities and culture available to visitors in the large state of Texas!